It wasn’t necessarily the prettiest of victories as the Flames were outshot 35-14 but the Flames could really do nothing but score as they managed to get the 2 points Tuesday night defeating the New Jersey Devils 6-3. It was the Flames second win in a row and 7th in a row at home, giving them good momentum as they host the Ducks down at the Dome tonight.

The Flames top line of Jarome Iginla, Olli Jokinen and Curtis Glencross continue to show why they’re the Flames number one line, combining for 9 points against the Devils. The trio will have to continue that production as the Flames will once again be without Rene Bourque due to his suspension (4 of 5) and Alex Tanguay who is out indefinitely. There is some good news on the Flames injury front as Mark Giordano and Scott Hannan have been skating with the club. Giordano will be a game-time decision tonight and would take the place of Clay Wilson if he gets the ‘go’. Hannan could be back as soon as Saturday’s game against the Kings.

The Ducks come into tonight’s game on a 3 game winning streak but that has been about the only positive for the Ducks this season. The Ducks have been without a doubt one of the biggest disappointments this season as they sit in 14th place in the Western Conference which is also the 2nd worst record in the league. Teemu Selanne continues to show why he is one of the best to ever play the game, leading the Ducks with a point-per-game pace (41 points). While the Flames top line has been praised, many fingers have pointed at the Ducks top line for their under achieving record. Ryan Getzlaf (27 points), Corey Perry (35 points) and Bobby Ryan (25 points) are all on pace for below average seasons. Getzlaf and more notably Ryan have been linked to trade speculation as Ducks GM; Bob Murray has let it be known he is open for business. Jonas Hiller is questionable for tonight’s game as he suffered a lower body injury in Sunday’s victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. If Hiller is unable to go, Jeff Deslauriers is expected to get the start.

In my eyes, this should be a ‘W’ for the Flames. The Ducks struggles have been well documented this season and have a league low 11 points on the road (3-10-5). Saying that the Flames have been known for losing to teams lower in the standings having already lost twice to the last place Blue Jackets. The Flames can’t overlook the Ducks, their top line still has elite talent, age doesn’t seem to matter for Selanne and the Ducks had the Flames number last season, beating them 4 times. The Flames have been able to battle through injuries with a good team effort but have to continue to have a defense first mentality as being outshot 35-14 isn’t going to win you many hockey games.

2 Comments

Yeah this should be a win and the Flames need it to keep pace. But I also have seen the Flames enough times lose to lesser teams like you said. And Ducks are starting to roll and could have a very good second half. I just dont see how they cant with the talent on their top two lines. Should be fun. Go Flames!